⏱️How it unfolded
The score against the pace we expected, quarter by quarter.
The score, against the pace we expected
The Rockets fell 9 points behind the pace we expected in the first quarter, then it evened out by full time.
Where it moved
▲ LAL better than we expected
▼ HOU better than we expected
The first quarter was where it moved most, 9 points better than our numbers for the Lakers.
⚖️What decided it
Why the Rockets won, and why the Lakers did not.
From the game
Could not get to the line, 31 free throws to their 45- Kept giving it away, nineteen turnovers to their twelve
- Gave up second chances, eighteen offensive rebounds to their eight
A 12-0 run dragged them back level in the fourth quarter
Key battles
🏀Good plays, bad plays
The plays that went each side's way, and the ones each side did to itself.
Lakers
Good plays
- 8-0 run
A 8-0 run stretched a 1-point lead to 9
Q1 7:11 · LAL 13-4 HOU
- 12-0 run
A 12-0 run dragged them back level
Q4 1:31 · LAL 92-92 HOU
- Ties it
Derek Fisher hit a 20-foot jumper, Kobe Bryant with the assist
Q4 0:13 · LAL 92-92 HOU
Bad plays
- Missed FT
Kobe Bryant misses free throw 2 of 2
Q4 0:01 · LAL 93-95 HOU
Rockets
Good plays
- Winner
Shane Battier hit a 27-foot three jumper, Tracy McGrady with the assist
Q4 0:02 · LAL 92-95 HOU
Bad plays
- Turnover
Yao Ming lost ball
Q4 0:59 · LAL 86-92 HOU
- Missed FT
Mike James misses free throw 1 of 2
Q4 0:35 · LAL 88-92 HOU
- Turnover
Rafer Alston bad pass
Q4 0:22 · LAL 90-92 HOU
📊The numbers
| LAL | HOU | |
|---|---|---|
| 42% | Shooting from the field | 46% |
| 2 | Threes made | 6 |
| 25% | Three-point accuracy | 27% |
| 27 | Free throws made | 21 |
| 66 | Rebounds | 69 |
| 18 | Offensive rebounds | 8 |
| 18 | Assists | 23 |
| -1 | Points in the paint | -1 |
| 19 | Fast break points | 16 |
| 20 | Points off turnovers | 16 |
| 12 | Turnovers | 19 |
| 16 | Steals | 10 |
| 3 | Blocks | 5 |
